Jon StojanIt is hardly talked of but vaginal dryness is more common than most think as many women endure this irritating yet treatable symptom of pregnancy during their first or third trimester when less estrogen is in the body; a lack of this hormone can cause itching and ongoing dryness that persists while pregnant!
There is good news, though, as from lubricants to moisturizers to non-hormonal creams or products like Lubracil that keep the issue at bay, there are tons of ways to relieve vaginal dryness and irritation during pregnancy/menopause but first, what is vaginal dryness, and what makes it prevalent during pregnancy?
Cause of Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy
The main cause of vaginal dryness while pregnant is hormonal changes as pregnancy, and the hormones that come along with it, can slow production of the natural lubricant the body would otherwise produce in plentiful supply! Adding to this, more blood than usual may flow to the pelvic area during pregnancy, which may cause never-pleasing symptoms like dryness, irritation, and discomfort to worsen even more.
All this said, vaginal dryness does not pose high health risks but it can surely be of discomfort to women that face it, and a detriment to their sexual and intimacy wellness but there are steps expecting mothers can take to help manage and alleviate the issue altogether, like:
- Drinking lots of water during the day as this raises moisture levels in the body and vaginal area.
- Avoiding douching and harsh soaps as these may cause further irritation/dryness to the vagina.
- Applying water-based, free-of-smell lubricant during intimacy as this helps to alleviate dryness.
- Using gentle, fragrance-free soap as these have fewer chemicals and are unlikely to irritate you.
By using a water-based lube and drinking plenty of water during the day, the body more easily gets what it needs to raise its moisture levels, and the vagina will have what it needs to have less friction and more comfort during intercourse, keep all this in mind as you aim to tackle hassling dryness during pregnancy!
Reducing vaginal dryness while pregnant can also be achieved by eating the right foods and maintaining a healthy diet; food like salmon and supplements like Lubracil soft gels that you can get with a click here, are highly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which the vagina needs and relies on to create natural lubrication.
On top of taking these steps be sure to stay in touch with a doctor/healthcare provider as they can give you insight and guidance into your issue and may create a treatment solution that is most ideal for you.
Treating and Preventing Vaginal Dryness After Pregnancy
It may persist more while pregnant but vaginal dryness can still occur even after childbirth takes place.
Since it takes time for hormones of pregnancy to settle and regulate, dryness or irritation may sustain for one to multiple months after birth; the reason medical experts advise women to do kegel workouts at home on a regular basis as they strengthen muscles in the pelvis region and increase blood flow to it.
It is a simple yet effective workout in which you start with an empty bladder, you then tighten pelvic muscles for five or so seconds and then rest them the same duration; you then repeat this ten times.
Doing this exercise will improve blood flow in the pelvic area and make it easier for the vagina to create natural lube, making it a must-try tactic for women who wish to wave farewell to vag dryness for good!
Lubricant for Avoiding Vaginal Dryness After and During Pregnancy
Using a lube made for vag dryness can revive moisture levels and bring near-instant relief on command, but ensure the one you get has no smells and chemicals as these can agitate sensitive tissue even more.
As you treat and deal with the issue, keep in mind it takes time for the body to adjust and recover from labor so be patient, stay positive, and give your body the time it needs to adjust. If times passes and you still have dryness on a regular basis be sure to talk with your doctor or healthcare professional so they can create a treatment plan.
Emotional Impact and Recovery of Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy
Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort and make intimacy uneasy to enjoy, for these reasons, it is little surprise it can damper mental health and sexual wellness as it is easy to be self-conscious but by being open and talking to your partner, feelings or emotions can be eased and laid to rest where they belong.
By being open and honest with your partner you can explore other ways to sustain the spark of intimacy as you resolve the issue but do not lose hope as great sex and pleasing intimacy is more than just vaginal penetration; from oral sex to kissing you have no shortage of creative ways to get down in the bedroom!